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Skokie, IL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Orchard Village set out to help older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities prepare for emergencies by offering clear guidance and accessible tools. The team held disaster preparedness trainings for clients, staff and family members, creating contact books, checklists and tailored presentations. They also distributed go-bags, whistles and flashlights. They equipped each community home with a waterproof emergency kit stocked with essential items. Participants said the sessions opened their eyes to the risks they may face and motivated them to create their own go-bags. Staff reported feeling more confident supporting clients during emergencies and the improvements strengthened readiness across all homes.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Langley, WA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: This project will conduct three train-the-trainer events and six public sessions. The focus will be on disaster preparedness, first aid, and disaster pre-planning at community centers, libraries, and senior centers.
Minneapolis, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Progressive Pathways set out to help residents think realistically about what they would need during summer storms and flooding, since many had never planned for an emergency or talked with neighbors about how to respond. The sessions encouraged people to consider items for their bug-out bags and opened conversations that helped neighbors understand how they could support one another. The gatherings also built new social networks and led to a partnerships that will extend preparedness resources. Residents left with clearer ideas about how to manage future emergencies and will receive ongoing materials and reminders.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Lorain, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project made improvements to Falbo Park, including adding a 20- by 20-foot shade awning, a large glider swing and an additional shade structure featuring a trellis for vines to climb. The City of Lorain designed these enhancements to make Falbo Park a space for intergenerational physical activity, play and community-building. The park hosted activities and provided solace to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project sparked other tangible changes to Falbo Park. In 2021, the City added a butterfly garden to attract pollinators. They also installed accessible bench-style swings in other parts of town, including at the local outdoor concert venue.
Fairview Park, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public space improvements to increase highspeed internet
Description: City of Fairview Park addressed barriers to medical access for older adults who faced transportation challenges and limited comfort with digital tools. The local Senior Center created a private telemedicine station with reliable internet, computers and privacy features. This was paired with hands-on support from staff and volunteers to help residents understand virtual visits and use the technology with confidence. The station allowed older adults to connect with providers from a familiar setting, reducing travel and wait times while supporting ongoing digital literacy. Early use showed immediate value. One participant said after her first visit, "She was so happy to speak with her doctor without having to sit in a waiting room... the appointment time started exactly on time." The project strengthened the Senior Center's role as a long-term hub for digital health care access and support.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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